Antigua and Barbuda

The Caribbean pearl of coral reefs, heavenly beaches with white sand and translucent waters.

In brief

Antigua and Barbuda, 2 English Commonwealth islands in the heart of the West Indies. These paradise islands have some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, and Antigua boasts no fewer than 350.

With trade winds regularly blowing between 12 and 25 knots, the destination is ideal for catamaran sailing and activities such as kiteboarding.

Don your mask and feast your eyes on gorgonians, corals, colorful sponges, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, pufferfish, moray eels and schools of sergeant majors.
From a cultural point of view, discover Nelson's Dockyard, the island's naval history site, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Taste delicious cuisine based on fish or meat stews, a variety of vegetables and plants such as okra, and seasoned with spices. In the evening, listen and dance to the sound of drums, steelpan, iron band, calypso and soca music.

Information before you leave

When to go?

Prepare your cruise

Introduction to the islands

Formalities

Passport valid 6 months after date of return.

If you're traveling with your children, you should be aware that minors of all ages are now also required to have an individual passport.

For other nationals, please contact the relevant authorities.

Administrative formalities France Côte d'Azur

Boating license

No sailing license is required for cruising in Antigua and Barbuda.

In any case, if you hire without a skipper, a nautical CV will be requested at the time of booking.

Sailing in Antigua and Barbuda

Mooring fees and taxes: Mooring buoys are between 15 and 20 USD per night and are available in Falmouth Harbour and Jolly Harbour.
Mooring fees vary from 50 cents to 1 USD per foot per night.

To know more

Currency and exchange rate: The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$ or XCD).

- Leave with US dollars and/or withdraw cash from ATMs on arrival. ATMs are available at the airport and at all banks in downtown St John's.

- The US dollar/Caribbean dollar exchange rate is available at banks.

- Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.

Time zone difference: Antigua and Barbuda is GMT-4 :

- in summer, there is a 6-hour time difference with France (when it's 6:00 pm in Paris, it's 12:00 pm in St John's);
- in winter, there is a 5-hour time difference (when it's 6:00 pm in Paris, it's 1:00 pm in St John's).

Important contacts: Police 911 or 999 / Fire brigade 911 or 999

Language: English is the official language, but most inhabitants speak Creole.

Electricity: Hotels often have 110- and 220-volt sockets. These are the same as in England, with three flat pins. Remember to take an adapter with you to recharge your electrical equipment.

Getting to Antigua & Barbuda: V.C Bird International Airport (ANU). No direct flights from France, stopover in Saint-Martin with Air France/KLM.

Antigua and Barbuda in pictures

Sunset at Disckenson Bay, Antigua, Caribbean

St. John's cathedral, Antigua, Caribbean

View Of Jolly Harbour Marina And Beach, Antigua, West Indies, Caribbean

The itineraries and anchorages we suggest are given for information only.

They can be adapted to suit your desires, weather and anchorage conditions (crowds, accessibility) and your departure base.

In the case of a skippered charter, the skipper, who is responsible for the smooth running of your cruise, will decide on the best navigation options in exchange with you.